KIMI 3 - 1984 Series 3

[DKWW2000]

I do believe that Sunrise Red could form a squadron

You had both better start working on the moustache

[Casey]

Forgot to say I picked up KIMI 3 a week ago, pics below taken the day she arrived at my place. I haven't had much of a chance to drive her much, especially with the lousy weather! However, I did a 40 mile run and she was a delight, but I do have a strange "rubbing" sound to sort out from the rear, on left turns mainly. I was aware of it before I purchased, so reflected in the price I offered.

On my drive 1.jpg (276.77 KiB) Viewed 12906 times

On my drive 2.jpg (265.22 KiB) Viewed 12906 times

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Interior is immaculate, apart from some wear and tear on the driver's doorcard vinyl

Interior on day of arrival.jpg (175.74 KiB) Viewed 12906 times

Factory fresh toolkit and towing eye - were the gloves in there too from the factory??

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[KiwiDave]

TWR skirts and rear bumper Malcolm??

[Casey]

They certainly look like TWR. Need to look at another set to be sure. Front unfortunately damaged long ago and lost....

[ian65]

A red TWR or Elford fibreglass rear wing on place of the rubber spoiler would complete the look I reckon.... still looks great as it is though

[Casey]

Progress report:

I have had the wheels refurbished. I would have liked to have got them diamond cut but, in discussion with the technicians at the refurb company, went for silver powdercoat. Pics later....

I had already checked the brakes - fine, and diff oil - fine (clean red colour). The engine oil looked clean too, so decided not to change it just yet. Dropped the coolant, nice a clean, looked like a weak solution of Bluecol - put in a fresh 50% mix.

I then decided to spend a few hours with Aston at Essex Rotary yesterday, going over a number of checks and routine maintenance:

1. Plugs changed for BR8EIX Iridium (old BR8ET plugs looked in good shape, but rear rotor trailing was a noticebaly lighter colour )
2. I'd spotted an oil leak around the gearbox and asked Aston to take a look and change the oil for Redline MT-90. The leak appeared to be coming from the breather at the top of the box...... Aston undid the FILL plug and oil GUSHED out We eventually measured 2.8 litres of oil were drained, but the capacity of the box is 1.7 litres, so over a litre overfill We reckon the oil must have been filled from the gear selector, without removing the fill/level plug - how else could you get an extra litre in there!
3. The distributor cap electrodes were badly eroded, as were the electrodes on the rotor arm, so swapped both for new.
4. Checked the timing, exhaust gas and tickover - timing was slightly out. Ticks over nicely at 750-800rpm now.
5. Adjusted the clutch, which had about 15mm of free play in the pedal, meaning the bite point was near the floor - much better now.
6. Changed the fuel filter. The old one didn't look to bad, but as we had the car up on ramps anyway....
7. We spent a lot of time trying to diagnose a squeak/rubbing noise, seemingly from the rear, which only manifests on left hand turns. We were unable to reach a conclusion. Possibly wear on a wheel bearing, but it didn't sound quite like it, possibly a bushing, as they were all looking pretty tired. Anyone else experienced anything like this and any other ideas??
8. Aston checked the viscous coupled fan and, although working, wasn't quite working to spec. Advised me on a possible way to fix it.

Grateful thanks to Aston for a good look over my car and advice on a few other things to attend to, or to keep an eye on.

Aston expertise with FB's is growing fast now - two other customer FB's were in his yard for work. Aston is now stocking standard service part for FB's too, like plugs, ignition components, oil and fuel filters, etc.

Car ready for Beaulieu in 2 weeks

[Hobbawobba]

Looks like a good score there aye bro! Keen to see how the wheels turned out . I would be looking at replacing the rear end bushes if there's an annoying squeak/rub. I'm not sure about the use of iridium plugs in the 7 though? I'm sure I have heard to stay away from them in our cars aye. Look forward to seeing it next weekend anyway!

[Casey]

Lovely day here for a run out to a local show, "Cars on the Colne", hosted by "Roman Roadsters". A wide rnage of vehicles on display and quite a few people stopped to ask questions about KIMI 3

[ian65]

Nice photos Malcolm, that's what its all about, getting out to meets, shows and generally driving them.... great to see you're doing that as always. How are you finding owning and driving your new series 3?

[Hobbawobba]

Looks awesome!

WOW that car is bright!!!